Filmmakers have 72 hours to complete film in competition

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South Texas Underground Film will celebrate its second anniversary with a 72-hour film challenge during which contestants have to write, film, edit and turn in a short film.

The registration/kickoff begins at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, at the Art Center of Corpus Christi. The competition concludes Sunday. The race is free to enter.

Contestants will be required to use film to be eligible. They will be randomly picked and participants have to draw a genre.

Winners will receive gift certificates.

"We want filmmakers to expect anything and be creative enough to take on any challenge," said Mariella Sonam Perez, the festival director and director of programming.

She added that the competition gives filmmakers the opportunity to hone their craft as well as provide a free public forum to exhibit their productions. There will be a film screening and the filmmakers will be on hand to answer questions.

Organizers said 20 teams have already registered for the events, including some participants from Victoria. Perez said the organization plans to accept a total of 25 teams.

A host of festivities are planned for the final evening, including Anthony Pedone's film, "Camp Casserole."

Pedone, of Victoria, will also serve as a juror for the film competition. He said that good, quality films can be produced with a quick turnaround time.

Perez offered some words of wisdom to filmmakers: "Get plenty of sleep, stock up on coffee and have people on the team that you know will come through."

Perez said local support is critical to the contestants. "It really means a lot to everyone involved ... when the community comes out and shows their support to see how talented these filmmakers are."